An Post stamps celebrate Round Towers of Ireland

27 July 2005

The detailed images adorning the stamps were drawn by Dublin artist Michael Craig who also designed the Third Definitive Series of stamps entitled Irish Architecture down the Ages which were issued 1982 and 1990. Dr Steeven’s Hospital, Killarney Cathedral, Busarus and Cahir Castle were among the featured subjects.

Whenever possible, Michael prefers his miniature drawings to be reproduced same-size. "The only persistent difficulty I have is finding and maintaining a pen that can draw a thin enough line" he explained.

The Round Towers of Ireland are remarkable among the world’s ancient monuments. Used as bell towers and hiding places, the towers were designed to provide shelter and protection. Built high in elevated positions, they were hand-crafted in native stone, then cemented with sand, lime, horsehair and oxblood mortar – a technique imported from Roman Britain. Of more than 100 round towers in Ireland, 65 survive today in various states of repair.

The set of four stamps will feature the following Round Towers:

Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
Glendalough, meaning "valley of the two lakes" became famous throughout Europe when St. Kevin founded his monastery there in the 6th Century. The most famous building is the round tower, which stands 34 metres high.

Ardmore, Co. Waterford
Ardmore round tower is part of St. Declan's Cathedral, which was founded in the 5th Century by St. Declan. Built during the 12th Century, the 30 metre high tower is located at the top of a high cliff overlooking the village of Ardmore.

Kilmacduagh, Co. Galway
It is estimated that this round tower was erected in the 10th or 11th century. At 34 metres it is one of Ireland’s tallest round towers and though perfectly stable, it appears to be tilting precariously.

Clones, Co. Monaghan
Built around the 9th century as a place of storage, Clones served as a place of refuge for monks retreating during the Viking invasions. The tower was originally about 27 metres high but its present height is 22 metres.

The news stamps may be viwed and purchased at www.irishstamps.ie